Abstract: An automotive door lock having a lock mechanism (3) for releasably engaging a striker (4), and a release mechanism (5) interacting with the lock mechanism (3) to release the lock (1). The release mechanism (5) has a control member (18) which interacts with the lock mechanism (3), is loaded elastically into a rest position, and can be set to a work position to release the lock (1). The release mechanism (5) has an actuating member (31) activated selectively to move the control member (18), in a forward movement, from the rest position to the work position; and, during a return movement of the control member (18) to the rest position, the control member (18) and the actuating member (31) are disconnected to minimize the time taken to complete the return movement.

Abstract: A mobile refrigerator with a refrigerator door is held magnetically against the body thereof. An additional hook lock (1 and 19) automatically engages on closing the refrigerator door and releases the refrigerator door only following the actuation of an unlocking mechanism. The unlocking mechanism disengages the hook bolt (7) from the lock striker (20), characterized in that the hook lock (1 and 19) comprises a locking member (14) by means of which the hook bolt (7) may be restrained in a disengaged position so that the refrigerator door is only held closed magnetically. The hook lock (1 and 19) is also characterized in that the locking member (14) is able to be so actuated independently of the unlocking mechanism that the hook bolt (7) is set in the disengaged position.

Abstract: A system comprises a plug locking assembly and a key. The plug locking assembly comprises a cover for receiving and holding a plug comprising a latch and a latch support surface positionable under the latch. A rotatable cam comprising a stop surface and a slot may carry the latch support surface and may interact with a cam latch comprising an arm. The arm is alternately positionable to abut the stop surface and to lie within the slot. The key may comprise a shaft, a key tab and a limit tab. The key mates with a key receiving member associated with the cover. The limit tab is positioned on a top surface of the shaft and helps prevent over-rotation of the latch support member.

Abstract: A lock for doors, gates, lids and similar closure means, comprising a base plate that can be placed on the outer surface of a door panel and has an extension that extends through the panel. A hand lever is pivotably mounted to the base plate and can be accommodated therein. The hand lever can be locked via a locking mechanism in the position in which it is pivoted into the base plate. The locking mechanism is comprised of an electrically actuatable locking element disposed in the extension of the base plate. A lock cylinder is provided for also mechanically actuating the locking element.

Abstract: An electromechanical vehicle theft protection device for the vehicle of a user. The device includes a screw feed nut, which extends and retracts along a screw feed bolt. The device also includes a geared motor, operable to pull and push said screw feed nut and a flexible metal cable operable to pull and push along a metal tube, thereby extending and retracting a locking pin in and out of the metal tube, and thereby releasing and blocking the gear shift selector of the vehicle, wherein the electromechanical vehicle theft protection device is mounted under the hood of the vehicle, such that access to and defeat of the electromechanical vehicle theft protection device is difficult.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering lock for locking the steering spindle (2) of a motor vehicle steering system comprising a blocking element (5) displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis (3) thereof from a locking to an unlocking position by means of an electromechanical drive (6) and is maintainable in said unlocking position by a spring-loaded securing element (7) in the form of a lever. In order to enable the securing element (7) to maintain the blocking element (5) in the unlocking position thereof in a simple manner even when the electromechanical drive (6) generating the displacement of said blocking element (5) is embodied in the form of a worm drive, a worm gear (10) representing a first control contour (12) is used and a first cam (11) for displacing the blocking element to the unlocking position is mounted on said worm gear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary lock cylinder comprising a blocking element (25, 64) that engages into the rotor (10) in a closed position while releasing the rotor (10) in an open position. An actuator (17, 78) can be controlled in accordance with data located on the key (2). In order to displace the blocking element (25, 64) from the closed position into the open position, a latch element (33, 63) is provided which can be moved along with the key (2). The blocking element (25, 64) can be attached by means of the actuator (17). The energy required for moving the blocking element (25) is supplied by the user when introducing the key (2) into the key duct (11) such that the load on the power source used for actuating the actuator (17, 78) is minimal.

Abstract: A mountable lock includes a lock body and a retaining member. The lock body is configured to be secured to an external structure by at least one fastening member. The lock body includes a lock interface movable from a locking condition to an unlocking condition in response to proper user manipulation of the lock interface. The retaining member includes a first end receivable in a first opening of the lock body and lockingly engageable with the lock body when the lock interface is in the locking condition, the first end being disengageable from the first opening when the lock interface is in the unlocking condition. The at least one fastening member is accessible through a passageway in the lock body that is blocked when the retaining member is in locking engagement with the lock body, thereby preventing disassembly of the lock body from the external structure.

Abstract: A re-keyable cylinder lock includes a plug inserted into a lock housing and having a plurality of radial holes connected to a key hole. The lock housing has a first engaging element provided in an inner surface thereof. A limit unit has a second engaging element and is inserted into one of the radial holes located at a predetermined depth of the key hole. The first engaging element engages the second engaging element to limit the plug from rotating when a replacement key which is inserted into the key hole for re-keying does not reach a predetermined depth of the key hole. Incomplete re-keying can therefore be prevented.

Abstract: A method of using trace amounts of certain compounds to reduce or inhibit corrosion on metal surfaces exposed to corrosive materials is disclosed. The compounds include hydroxlamines, acrylate polymers or copolymers, certain organic acids, tannic acid, carbohydrazide and its derivates and salts, and combinations of these compounds. The metal surfaces may include any ferrous metal piping or equipment surfaces, such as that used during storage, transport, and other processing of such materials. A corrosion-inhibited UAN solution having about 20 to about 50 percent by weight water and from less than 10 to about 1,000 ppm of one or more of the described corrosion inhibitors, and a pH from about 7 to about 8 is also disclosed.

Abstract: A die-cushion controlling device includes: a position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal of a die-cushion pad; a position detecting means for detecting a position of the die-cushion pad; a position comparing section for outputting a position deviation signal corresponding to a deviation between the target position value based on the position command signal and a position detection value based on a position detection signal; a position controlling section for outputting a position-speed command signal based on the position deviation signal; a speed controlling section for outputting a motor-current command signal based on the position-speed command signal from the position controlling section; a servo amplifier for generating a current corresponding to the motor-current command signal; and an escape-position-command-signal outputting section for outputting a position command signal for commanding the die-cushion pad to escape from a bottom dead center position based on a

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing a spark plug, approach driving conditions are calculated on the basis of a specified thrust feeding amount so that, while a temporal overlap occurs between a time period of feed-driving toward a rolling position P2 of a workpiece supporting portion (11) and an approach driving time period, in a circumferential direction of a workpiece W, a positional relationship between the starting position of the threaded portion which is rolling-formed, and the joining position of the ground electrode to the tip end face of the workpiece W is constant. The operation of an approach driving portion is controlled on the basis of the calculated approach driving conditions.

Abstract: A wire-forming machine, comprising a machine frame, a wire feeder and a wire guide for transporting wire to a working area of the machine where the wire is processed by one or more tools. The tools are affixed on a tool plate on the machine frame and around a recess formed in the plate. A wire is fed through the recess to the working area of the machine. The tool plate is fitted on a second plate and is displaceable along a first direction (x) relative to the second plate, while the second plate is displaceable along a second direction (y) relative to the machine plate. Both directions (x, y) have an inclination of 45° each to the vertical normal axis of the wire-forming machine and are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A method and a device for bending and reshaping profiles by means of roller bending or matrix bending. The profile that is to be worked on is bent or reshaped under the influence of one or several bending tools. In order to be able to bend and reshape also brittle profiles that are difficult to bend, an oscillator whose oscillations are supplied to the profile that is to be bent or reshaped, at least in the reshaping zone, is assigned to at least one of the bending or reshaping tools, or both.

Abstract: A feeder device and method for feeding bars to a machine, for picking up and removing from a bundle at least one bar, to prepare it said bar for use in a working machine comprising a drawing assembly. The device comprises a first magnetic assembly for separating from the bundle at least an end segment of a plurality of bars and to dispose at least the end segments of the plurality of bars on a plane distanced with respect to the bundle, and a second magnetic assembly for picking up from the first magnetic assembly one bar at a time from the plurality of bars and to unload the bar in a desired release position. The device comprises an accumulation assembly for receiving in sequence from the second magnetic assembly a desired number of bars so as to form a store, and to transfer the desired number of bars simultaneously to the drawing assembly.

Abstract: A method for operating a mechanical press including at least one electric drive motor, a drive control for controlling the at least one motor, a ram, a mechanical element for translating rotational motion of the at least one motor to linear motion of the ram in a first rotation direction, into a linear motion of the ram arranged to be lowered and raised along a linear path for operating the press to carry out a press cycle including a pressing part and one or more non-pressing parts of the press cycle, and by providing a control output to the drive control such that the speed of the at least one drive motor is varied during at least one pressing or non-pressing part of the press cycle. The press may be reversed between production cycles. Also press and system including a such press.

Abstract: A device for determining the rotation angle of a shaft in an aircraft, the device having a shaft and a motor operable to rotate the shaft to operate a component and to detect first rotation data of the shaft. The device also includes a position pickup unit designed to detect second rotation data of the shaft, and a synchronization unit for synchronizing the first rotation data with the second rotation data.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for sample analysis. More particularly, the invention encompasses a method and an apparatus for continuous, constant, flow sample introduction of fluid samples of varying viscosity and composition. The invention further includes the option of the apparatus being associated with at least one fluid analyzer system. A temperature controlled environment may also be provided for the processing and analysis of a fluid sample.

Abstract: A calibration system for a flow meter includes a flow simulator, the flow simulator including a receiver configured to receive flow meter transducer signals from a flow meter. A simulation subsystem is configured to create simulated transit time signal pulses, and to transmit the simulated transit time signal pulses to the flow meter at preselected time intervals. A calibration subsystem is configured to receive from the flow meter a transit time differential value generated by the flow meter based on the simulated transit time signal pulses and output a calibration factor to the flow meter.

Abstract: An adjusting element with a cylinder which is closed at one end and filled with a fluid under pressure, wherein a piston which is displaceable axially in the cylinder divides the cylinder into a first work space and a second work space, and a piston rod is arranged at one side of the piston and guided out of the other end of the cylinder through the first work space in a sealed manner by a sealing and guiding device. The adjusting element has a measuring device for detecting the piston rod position and the length of extension of the adjusting element.

Abstract: A system for measuring the height of bin content includes a transmitter for transmitting an acoustic pulse towards the upper surface of the content, a non-collinear receiver array for receiving an echo of the pulse and producing signals in response to the echo, and a processing apparatus for computing one or more directions of arrival of the signals from the upper surface to the array along with corresponding measured distances. Preferably, the receivers are transducers that also serve as transmitters. Two or more such measured distances constitute a map of the upper surface for estimating the quantity of the bin content. Preferably, the system includes a pulse shaper and repeater for optimizing the pulse shape relative to the signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling the dispensation of a liquid volume sample when metering amounts of liquid by sucking into a tube, probe or tip a volume of a liquid to be displaced and ejecting the sample to a different vessel. According to the method the metering act is performed normally and the liquid to be metered is, displaced thereafter in a desired vessel. During the metering act and after a desired amount of liquid is sucked into the metering line, a supplementary suction step is performed wherefrom the success of the metering act can be deduced. The pressure function of the supplementary suction step is measured and this function is compared with a calibration function.

Abstract: A system for determining acceptability of torsional dampers for service in a machine system includes a fixture, an ultrasonic scanner and an indicating device configured to indicate at least one of acceptability and unacceptability of a torsional damper based upon receipt of a signal from the scanner. A nondestructive testing method for a torsional vibration damper includes scanning a torsional vibration damper with ultrasonic energy, and determining a test value for the damper indicative of a viscosity of fluid sealed within a housing of the damper based on receiving transmitted ultrasonic energy. Receipt of ultrasonic energy may be used to determine the flow rate of fluid within the damper by indicating a time for fluid to flow to fill a void within the damper. The system and method may be implemented in a remanufacturing or salvaging process for torsional vibration dampers.

Abstract: Provided is a sheet material discrimination apparatus including: an impact force applying member for colliding with the surface of a sheet material, an impact force receiving member for receiving the impact force applying member through the sheet material, a detecting unit for outputting an electric signal corresponding to an impact force received by the impact force receiving member, and a cushioning material for absorbing the impact force transmitted to the detecting unit, wherein a support member having a bending rigidity higher than the bending rigidity of the detecting unit with respect to the impact force is arranged between the detecting unit and the cushioning material.

Abstract: An oxygen electrode used to measure an amount of dissolved oxygen in a liquid culture medium includes an electrode base material, and a surface metal layer being any one of Au, Pt, and Ti. The surface metal layer covers a surface of the electrode base material. Especially, in a case where the surface metal layer of Au is formed on the electrode base material of copper with electroplating, a nickel layer is formed on the surface of the electrode base material by layering with electroplating, etc. Then, the Au layer is formed on the nickel layer by layering with electroplating, etc.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1) for detecting gases, in particular air, in a liquid-carrying transport line. The apparatus has at least one ultrasound transmitter (3) and at least one ultrasound receiver (4) as ultrasound sensors (3, 4), which are arranged essentially opposite one another with respect to a measuring pipe (2) in the region of the longitudinal sides of the measuring pipe (2), a control device (5) and a signal processing device (6). In order for the measuring apparatus (1) to operate with little disruption and to have a simple, cost-effective design, it is provided that the ultrasound transmitter (3) emits a continuous ultrasound signal, the signal processing device (6) amplifies the electrical signal processed by the ultrasound receiver (4), rectifies it, passes it to a memory device (6c) and uses a threshold value switch (9) to decide whether or not an electrical signal is then supplied to a control output and/or to a display device.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring the oxygen fraction in respiratory air, especially in aircraft, has an oxygen sensor to which an electrical, analog, sinusoidal input signal with a fixed base frequency is fed and which emits an electrical, analog output signal containing a useful signal component with a double-base frequency and at least one interference signal component with a base frequency, in addition to an evaluation circuit for determining a measured value as a measure of the oxygen fraction, the output signal being fed to the circuit. To improve measuring accuracy, while simultaneously reducing fluctuations in the measured values, the output signal and a sinusoidal reference signal with a base frequency are fed to an adder located between the oxygen sensor and evaluation circuit, the reference signal phase and amplitude being set such that the interference signal component is largely compensated for in the output signal of the adder.

Abstract: This application discloses a system for detecting mouth alcohol which is integrated with a breath-measuring instrument. In an embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a single fuel cell system, wherein the single fuel cell measures an individual's alveolar breath as well as detection of any mouth alcohol. In a further embodiment, the breath-measuring instrument comprises a first fuel cell and a second fuel cell, wherein the first fuel cell measures alveolar breath and the second fuel cell detects mouth alcohol.

Abstract: Floating bubble jar gas dryer include a container floating in glycol on top of input gas sample pipe. The gas flow pressure regulates the depth of sinking of the floating container in the drying liquid (glycol for water). Small holes at the bottom of the floating container disperse the gas into the liquid where the diffusion process absorbs the moisture from the gas sample.

Abstract: A chemiresistor sensor system compensated for temperature and aging effects is disclosed and includes a sensing element exposed to an atmosphere of an ambient environment to be monitored for the presence and/or concentration of a flammable vapor and a temperature compensation element which is isolated from the atmosphere of the ambient environment. The sensing element and the temperature compensation element are electrically connected in series and have similar performance in response to temperature changes and temperature cycling. The output of the chemiresistor sensor system, which is the voltage drop across the sensing element, remains unchanged despite the changes in resistance of the sensing element in response to temperature changes. Therefore, the chemiresistor sensor system can more accurately and consistently detect the presence of flammable vapor in environments subject to temperature changes and/or over long periods of time.

Abstract: A gas sensor is provided. The gas sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a power source and a current meter. The substrate includes a planar surface, wherein the substrate is made of ion-conductive material, proton-conductive material or electron-conductive material. The first electrode is formed on the planar surface. The second electrode is formed on the planar surface, wherein a gap is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The power source is electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the power source provides a voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode. The current meter is electrically connected to the first electrode and tie second electrode to measure a limit current passing the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a fluid system, which includes a switch that changes state according to pressure in the fluid system. The method includes changing pressure in the fluid system with a pump assembly. The pump assembly includes a predetermined leak that is in fluid communication with the fluid system and that causes the switch to change state after a predetermined time period. The method also includes detecting a leak in the fluid system if the switch changes state within an amount of time less than the predetermined time period.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a liquid leak sensing structure is provided with a casing including a lower wall, a circulation unit received in the casing and providing circulation of a liquid, a liquid leak sensor interposed between the lower wall of the casing and the circulation unit, and a liquid absorbing member interposed between the liquid leak sensor and the circulation unit. The liquid absorbing member permits part of a liquid from the circulation unit to flow therethrough toward the liquid leak sensor.

Abstract: A method for use in connection with installing a cable into a conduit having a first end and a second end, to confirm whether air introduced into the conduit at the first end is flowing out of the conduit from the second end, the method including the steps of: substantially blocking the second end, so that when the air is introduced into the conduit its flow from the second end will be impeded; introducing a flow of air into the first end; and detecting a change in a property of the air within the conduit whereby it can be confirmed if the air is flowing to the second end.

Abstract: Method to test for a leak in a fuel tank system of a motor vehicle with the following steps: a) a fuel tank is cut off during the overrun by means of at least one cutoff device (7, 9b), and the pressure, which builds up in the fuel tank within a specifiable time interval is acquired; b) if a specifiable maximum pressure or a specifiable vacuum threshold is not achieved, said cutoff device (7, 9b) is opened and closed again after a specifiable time period, and a vacuum is produced and acquired in a subsequent vacuum phase, and a parameter, which characterizes the leak tightness, is determined and evaluated from the vacuum achieved within a specifiable time period and the overpressure, which is achieved, and the test for a leak is concluded; c) if the specifiable maximum pressure is achieved, a parameter characterizing the leak tightness is determined from the acquired overpressure and the specifiable overpressure threshold and is compared with a specifiable reference value and for the case that the determin

Abstract: A dialysate testing method in one embodiment includes placing electrical contacts in a dialysate flow path, measuring an electrical property of the dialysate as it flows through the flow path and past the contacts, and determining whether the dialysate has been mixed properly from the detected electrical property. A dialysate testing method in another embodiment includes flowing dialysate past a pair of electrical contacts, calculating a conductivity of the dialysate using an algorithm that takes into account a geometry of the contacts, and using the calculated conductivity to determine if the dialysate has been removed properly.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a chromatographic medium in a liquid slurry comprises the steps of: providing a column (1) having a top end (3) and a bottom end (2) and adapted to retain a chromatographic medium therein; introducing a defined volume of the slurry (15) into the column (1); providing a liquid flow through the column (1) from the top end to the bottom end of the column to settle the chromatographic medium in the column; measuring the bed height of the consolidated chromatographic medium or a value related thereto; and determining from the measured bed height or value related thereto the concentration, or a value related to the concentration of the chromatographic medium in the slurry. A device for performing the method as well as the use of the method in packing of especially large scale columns are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlling the residual moisture in pre-cured binder coated glass fibers. The moisture of the binder coated glass fibers is measured after the process water is extracted in a collection box. Based on the level of moisture found in the coated glass fibers, adjustments are made to the process upstream of the moisture measurements. The adjustments include, but are not limited to, adjusting the amount of water used to make the binder composition; adjusting the amount of heat applied to the binder composition as it is applied to the glass fibers and adjusting the vacuum conditions used to extract the process water from the binder coated glass fibers. Control of the residual moisture in the precured binder coated glass fibers helps ensure proper curing of the binder during the subsequent curing step.

Abstract: The invention is direct to a piezoelectric microcantilever for static contact and dynamic noncontact atomic force microscopy which may be carried out in solution. The piezoelectric microcantilever, which includes a piezoelectric layer and a non-piezoelectric layer is capable of self actuation and detection. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from a lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3)0.65—(PbTiO3)0.35(PMN0.65-PT0.35)(PMN-PT), zirconate titanate (PZT)/SiO2 or from any lead-free piezoelectric materials such as doped sodium-potassium niobate-lithium niobate. The piezoelectric layers of the microcantilevers may have dielectric constants of from 1600-3000 and thicknesses below 10 ?m. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating microcantilever sensors and methods for atomic force microscopy employing the microcantilevers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a cam phase of an engine provided with a variable valve timing mechanism able to vary a rotating phase of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft of the engine, which apparatus and method can detect the rotating phase in a short cycle. There is provided a cam angle sensor having a configuration of outputting a cam angle signal at each time when the camshaft rotates by a unit angle. At the same time, by lengthening an output cycle of the cam angle signal on a part thereof or by using a second cam angle sensor able to detect a reference cam angle position, a cam angle position to which individual cam angle signal corresponds is detected. Then, the rotating phase of the camshaft relative to the crankshaft can be detected, based on the detection result of the cam angle position based on the cam angle signal.

Abstract: A method for checking the output signal of a rail pressure sensor of a direct-injecting internal combustion engine having a common rail system for plausibility, including the following steps: the output signal of the rail pressure sensor is detected over a predefinable period of time and recorded; the output signal is transformed into the frequency space; characteristic features are extracted from the transformed signal; a rail pressure value is calculated on the basis of the features and additional, predefined influencing variables; an average rail pressure value is simultaneously ascertained from the output signal of the rail pressure sensor; the average rail pressure value is compared with the calculated rail pressure value; in the event that the calculated rail pressure value deviates from the average rail pressure value by a predefined limiting value, an error signal is output and/or stored in an error memory.

Abstract: A SAW based tyre pressure sensor assembly comprising a body having a tubular stud 1 formed on an end thereof which is engageable in an inflation tube formed in a tyre inflation valve 3 so as to fasten the body to the valve 3. A through passage extends through the stud 1 into said body and is in fluid communication with the atmosphere surrounding the assembly by means of apertures 2 in the sides of the body, thereby providing a fluid coupling between an inflation duct of the inflation valve 3 and the atmosphere surrounding the body. A SAW based pressure sensor is mounted within said body so as to be in fluid communication with the atmosphere surrounding the body, and an antenna 4 is connected to the sensor to enable remote interaction therewith. A grounding plate 5 connected to the antenna is sandwiched between the assembly and has arms which engage against the inner surface of the wheel so as to enhance the sensor antenna earth.

Abstract: An electronic unit for measuring operating parameters of a vehicle wheel, includes an electronic box (1), an inflation valve (2) of the snap-in type composed of a valve body (3) made of an elastomer material provided with an axial bore housing a hollow tubular core (15), and elements for securing the electronic box (1) and the inflation valve (2). The elements for securing the electronic box (1) and the inflation valve (2) include a bushing (20) secured to the electronic box (1) and adapted to be slidably mounted around a portion of the tubular core (15) which extends as a continuation of the valve body (3) and into a position of the electronic box (1) where the latter extends as a direct continuation of the inflation valve (2), and members (13, 25, 26) for assembling the bushing (20) of the electronic box (1) on the valve body (3).

Abstract: A method for wellsite verification of properties of a fluid may include providing a fluid delivery system at the wellsite; providing at least one reference meter at the wellsite; and measuring the property of the fluid within the fluid delivery system, using the reference meter. The measuring step may be performed prior to or during dispatch of the fluid into a well bore. The reference meter may be a high precision meter. An apparatus for wellsite verification of at least one property of at least one fluid may include a fluid delivery system and at least one reference meter for measuring the property of the fluid within the fluid delivery system. The fluid delivery system and the reference meter may both be located at the wellsite. A trailer may support the fluid delivery system and the reference meter.

Abstract: A cased hole pressure test tool is used to determine the integrity of cement between two points in a borehole in terms of permeability or transmissibility. The test tool drills at least one probe hole through the casing up to the cement. In one embodiment, two probes are set and the dissipation of a pressure pulse through the cement initiated by the first probe is observed by the second probe. In another embodiment, one probe hole is in hydraulic communication with the borehole fluid and a single offset probe is set in another probe hole. Fluid (water) is then added to the borehole to cause a pressure increase in the borehole fluid. Detection of the pressure increase through the cement by the offset probe is indicative of a loss of hydraulic isolation. Packers may be used to isolate the portion of the borehole under test. A mechanism for generating a pressure pulse of known magnitude is also described.

Abstract: An optical sensing member within the anullus zone of a well is disclosed, which sensing member determines the level of debris in the well. When debris accumulates within the anullus zone, said sensing member returns a signal indicative of the level of such debris within the zone. The optical sensing member may include an optical fiber and/or any known optical sensors configured to determine strain, pressure, shape, force, and/or temperature.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a surface sensor system comprising a wet/dry sensor assembly, an electrically isolated passive sensor assembly, a thermally adjustable active sensor assembly, at least one temperature sensor, and a data processing device coupled together as a unit positionable adjacent to a surface, such as an outdoor surface. The unit is configured to determine the presence a surface material containing water or a water-based mixture on the surface and the solid or liquid phase of the surface material.

Abstract: The flow meter is equipped with first and second flow paths, provided in parallel and through which flows fluid having flowed through and being diverted from a main flow path, the flow diversion ratio among the first and second flow paths changing passively in accordance with the flow rate of fluid through the main flow path, and a flow rate sensor provided on at least one of the first and second flow paths. The first and second flow paths are formed, for example, as flow paths having different flow path cross-sectional areas, or alternatively are formed from mesh elements provided with mesh-free areas on a portion thereof. Alternatively, one of the either the first or second flow path is realized with a paddle mechanism incorporated therein.

Abstract: A thermal flow sensor can adjust the temperature of a heating element in a highly precise and reliable manner with the use of simple circuits, devices and process steps. The sensor includes an amplifier section (7) that amplifies a voltage across opposite ends of at least one of resistors (3, 4, 5) that constitute a bridge circuit, a current control section (9) that is controlled based on an output voltage of the amplifier section (7), and an output terminal (14) that is connected to one end of a heating element (1) that is controlled to be energized by the current control section (9). The amplifier section (7) includes an amplification factor control section for controlling an amplification factor by an electric signal from a computer, and uses an output voltage which has been amplified and impressed to an input voltage to an operational amplifier (8).

Abstract: A thermal flow sensor can adjust the temperature of a heating element in a highly precise and reliable manner with the use of simple circuits, devices and process steps. The sensor includes an amplifier section (7) that amplifies a voltage across opposite ends of at least one of resistors (3, 4, 5) that constitute a bridge circuit, a current control section (9) that is controlled based on an output voltage of the amplifier section (7), and an output terminal (14) that is connected to one end of a heating element (1) that is controlled to be energized by the current control section (9). The amplifier section (7) includes an amplification factor control section for controlling an amplification factor by an electric signal from a computer, and uses an output voltage which has been amplified and impressed to an input voltage to an operational amplifier (8).